In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?

CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation

The Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO) is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Coal. It was established in 1916 to regulate coal production and distribution during World War 1 due to increased demand and scarcity of coal.

The key roles and functions of CCO are:

CCO is the major source of coal statistics in India. It collects and maintains monthly data on coal production from all public and private coal mines in the country.
It monitors the progress of development of captive coal and lignite blocks.
Under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act 1957, CCO hears objections to the government’s notifications related to acquisition of coal-bearing land and submits reports to the central government.
Under the Colliery Control Rules 2004, CCO inspects coal mines to ensure proper classification and grading of coal. It also regulates the disposal of coal stock and expected output.
CCO issues directives for declaration and maintenance of grades of coal of different seams mined in collieries.
It acts as an appellate authority in case of disputes between coal consumers and mine owners regarding coal grade declaration.
Under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008, CCO is the designated statistical authority for coal and lignite statistics. It conducts annual coal surveys and publishes provisional coal statistics.
CCO submits monthly coal data to central and state government ministries, national and international agencies.
It facilitates field visits of prospective bidders for proposed coal block auctions.
CCO functions as Commissioner of Payments to settle claims of pre-nationalization colliery owners.

Learn more:

Coal is the most important and abundant fossil fuel in India and accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs.
The Ministry of Coal formulates policies, regulations and conservation efforts for the coal sector. CCO assists the Ministry by collecting data and overseeing coal mining.
Coal reserves are mainly located in eastern and south-central India, in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
CCO has headquarters in Kolkata and field offices in major coal mining areas like Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Kothagudem and Asansol.
With increasing coal mining activities and new blocks opening up, CCO’s role in monitoring production, resolving disputes and maintaining transparency is crucial.
The coal sector provides direct and indirect employment to millions of people in mining, transportation, power generation etc. and contributes heavily to the economy.